On January 19, 2023, an employee of Bolgar Museum-Reserve Sabirova L. A. together with the specialists of the State Autonomous Institution of Social Welfare Centre “Rassvet” conducted an interactive event on “It’s Christmas Eve – have fun, kids” for 10 students of Bolgar boarding school.
Christmas Eve begins with the night on January 6 when the first star appears in the sky. Since then the Christmas fast ends. The celebration lasts for 12 days and ends with Epiphany. Svyatky are festive weeks, which had to be spent cheerfully. This time was devoted to rest, and every believer needed to attend a service at least once. It was customary to help the poor, visit orphanages, distribute clothing and food because this holiday was dedicated to the most important event of every Christian – the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve was supposed to meet joyfully and with a good mood. Therefore, on these days there were held a few cheerful and joyful rituals – caroling, fortune telling.
Children had an excursion in the museum of history of Uspensky church. Then they learned the history of the holiday, its traditions and customs. Kids actively participated in a quiz and games, made proverbs and got memorable gifts.
The rites and rituals of winter holidays were carried by our ancestors through the millennia and prohibitions. They are worth preserving as a cultural and historical heritage.

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